Digital inclusion
«My view is simple: when a problem has the size of billions of people, it simply is too big to be a problem. Instead, it has to be an opportunity. But an opportunity that requires a holistic approach that will involve business models to reach the people to enable and empower them to develop in rural areas.»
Ben Verwaayen,
Alcatel-Lucent CEO
Realizing the potential of a connected world plays an integral part at every stage in the Alcatel-Lucent story. For example, in our relations with public authorities everywhere, we consistently promote policies that enable wireline connectivity to all, with the highest possible bandwidth, using state-of-the-art, future proof, investment-wise technologies. We also propose and support spectrum-efficiency policies, to offer the widest possible wireless access to people everywhere at the lowest possible cost.
High Leverage Network™, Universal Access Pillar
Alcatel-Lucent products, services and solutions expand and enhance access to digital networks. Indeed, universal access is one of the key pillars of our High Leverage Network™ architecture. For more information, see page 45. Our universal access solutions are engineered for fixed and mobile broadband access. They use the latest DSL, GPON, fiber, small cell (Femto), 2G, 3G and 4G LTE technologies. And they provide embedded network intelligence to deliver wireless all around with the highest quality of experience (QoE) regardless of the device, location and on-the-move in the most advanced markets and in emerging markets everywhere.
Wireless Innovations
Our innovative lightRadio™ solution promises greener, simpler, lower cost mobile networks. >>>
By reducing the cell site to just the antenna and leveraging future advances in backhaul and compression techniques, this technology will eventually enable the easy creation of broadband coverage virtually anywhere there is power (electricity, sun, wind).
Development of so-called Long-term Evolution (LTE) wireless networks for rural populations has produced revolutionary energy-efficient radio designs. The work will help eliminate the broadband black-spots which affect up to 10% of UK households – ensuring that populations in mountainous regions such as West Wales can get connected.
Access for All
Alcatel-Lucent has helped excluded populations across the world gain access to information technology: >>>
- In Yunnan province, we set up an ICT center so that Chinese and British school children could exchange views.
- In Madrid, we started a digital literacy school for 60 underprivileged young people, also providing access to 300 people with physical or mental disabilities.
- We developed an ICT curriculum in Barcelona for young people risking social exclusion.
- In Portugal we provide IT training to the elderly.
- In Kortrijk, Belgium we started a living lab project where citizens in two underprivileged areas can get such broadband services as multimedia, e-health and local government services.
